Mateus Fernandes has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United after West Ham’s relegation but there could be a hitch
Mateus Fernandes is in demand after West Ham’s relegation(Image: Richard Pelham, Getty Images)
Mateus Fernandes had to personally push through his transfer from Southampton to West Ham last summer. Now, 12 months on, he may need to employ similar tactics if he is to secure a move to Manchester United.
The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford this week. They aren’t the only club linked with the midfielder, though, after his performances in East London last summer brought a first senior Portugal call-up.
West Ham are demanding a substantial fee of £85million to part with their midfield asset – more than double the £42million they paid for him just 12 months ago. The Hammers, who need to generate revenue following their relegation, are believed to have arrived at that valuation due to interest from competing clubs and a 15% sell-on clause which will be due to his former club, Southampton.
United may, however, receive a boost by way of the player’s own approach. Last summer, Fernandes pressured Southampton into sanctioning his departure following their relegation to the Championship, informing the Saints’ hierarchy that he wished to compete in top-flight football in order to remain in contention for the Portugal national team.
Despite being left out of Roberto Martinez’s 26-man squad, the player’s long-term ambitions are unlikely to have wavered. Fernandes may therefore seek to force through a rapid departure from the London Stadium, potentially allowing United to secure his signature for less than £85m.
Southampton owner Dragan Solak recently told the Southern Daily Echo: “Last summer we realised that we cannot keep Matty Fernandes. He actually broke me when he told me why he could not stay.
“He came to me, and he said, ‘If I stay in Southampton, I will never get to play for the Portuguese national team,’ and I said, ‘Okay, that’s fair.’
“After that, I said to him, ‘Okay, bring me the money I want, because we really value you. Bring me the money you want and then I will let you go.'”
West Ham are facing mounting pressure to offload Fernandes, one of their most coveted assets, as Premier League parachute payments only go so far in cushioning the financial impact of relegation. This could undermines their position at the negotiating table, though a bidding war could yet keep the price high.
Should the deal be successfully completed, it would allow Michael Carrick’s Red Devils to continue their midfield rebuild. They have already reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazilian star Ederson for £35m.
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